Learning how to make Southern Sweet Tea is super easy. I will show you how Southerners make this essential drink made for the summertime and Sunday supper dinner refreshments.
Grandmamas all over the south make sweet tea perfectly. And I’m gonna share with you all the tips and tricks to make the best Southern sweet tea this side of the Mississippi. This drink, along with Classic Jamaican Lemonade, are quite refreshing especially during the hot months of the year.
What is Sweet Tea?
Sweet Tea ain’t hard to figure out folks. It is brewed tea sweetened with sugar. Southern Sweet Tea is served cold over ice or chilled in a pitcher in the fridge. It is truly the South’s quintessential beverage, and you must learn how to make it properly.
Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine?
Most times yes. Standard black teas like Lipton and Luzianne are typically used to make it which have caffeine in them. You can also use a decaffeinated tea if you prefer.
How to Make Southern Sweet Tea
Essentially you just need two ingredients, tea bags and granulated sugar. Oh and water too!
Now some folks will add some fancy additions like lemon or limes and mint or other herbs but the traditional way doesn’t need any of that. That comes down to personal preference.
- Boil your water in a large pot or grab a tea kettle. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a medium saucepan or a tea kettle over medium heat.
- Next steep your tea bags for 10 to 20 minutes. The sweet spot is about 15 minutes. But it will get stronger the longer you let it steep.
- Now add that sugar baby! I personally like to give a little leeway here because you want to do this according to preference as well. Once you add the sugar, allow it to completely dissolve, taste then add more.
- Pour tea to your pitcher then fill with more water. Now taste your tea. If you need more sugar, add it then while it is still hot and can dissolve.
- Refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
Additional Sweet Tea Recipes to Check Out
If you want more amazing sweet tea recipes, check out these:
How to Make Southern Sweet Tea
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 5 tea bags like Lipton or Luzianne
- 1 cup granulated sugar (by taste) up to 1 1/2 cups
- lemon or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a medium pot. Remove from heat and add tea bags, steeping for 10-20 minutes.
- Dissolve sugar into the tea, tasting as you go.
- Remove tea bags, pour tea into a pitcher, and add more water to fill.
- Serve with ice and lemon.